Vanda propagation- large overgrown plants
 

I have several old vandas that have grown to over 4'. I have cut the tops off, making sure I included sufficient roots. The bottoms all have large healthy root systems, so I would assume they should sprout a new growth lead. Ten weeks and counting, and no activity. I'm getting continued new root growth, but no new growing leads.
Anyone out there with experience on this? Am I wasting my time? Most of what I have heard says to discard the bottoms, but I have to believe mother nature will kick in and stimulate the plant to survive!

Very interested to see what people have to say about this topic.
I recently had to cut the top off my Aerides houlletiana due to what i thought was really bad sunburn.
Now I'm wondering if i will get new growth!!
how exciting.

The bottoms will start new growths, perhaps multiple. Just be patient, they will come.

I've read that they can start new growths that way. I've not tried it as I've not been successful with Vandas in any way, but I think if they were healthy plants it should work.

The vanda's that I have cut, what was left of the old plant I have given to a friend and all of them have put out new growth, it takes some time so don't give up!

Don't be discouraged by an unusually long period of delay after topping your vandas. I have had similar problems with V. tricolor, Aer. odorata, and several hybrids that were too tall for their space. In most cases it took 3 - 6 months before the plants started to grow again, the aerides took almost 15 months, but eventually all have given me at least 1 new growing lead from their bases.

You really have to be very patient. The top usually recovers fast but the bottom part needs a bit of recovering to do....since it has the most established roots; it will bring forth basal new growth and sometimes it might continue to have new leaves where you cut it.

Thanks to all who replied. So far, sounds like although it may be a slow process......it is worth the wait.

I usually wait till the plant sprouts a basal keiki before I take the top cutting. That way there is no waiting period.

Just an idea, kelp fertilizer seems to encourage root growth and increase incidence of basal keikis. You might try some.